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Visit to ISTAC 20th November 2019 Personal account by Cheryl Brophy-Chan
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Nineteen MCG members headed to the exclusive establishment known as ISTAC-IIUM, that is nestled in a leafy area of Bukit Tunku close to Publika.
ISTAC-IIUM is the acronym of the ‘Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization, International Islamic University of Malaysia’. |
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On the day, I remember driving up a concealed slope towards an Islamic arched, canopied doorway. I stepped out of the car, climbed a few steps and approached what seemed like a huge medieval wooden door. As it opened, my eyes widen in astonishment, as the grand entrance exceeded my expectations. In the centre, the immense dark wooden staircase dominated the room. I followed its sinuous balustrade and noted the regularity of each baluster. Immediately, the welcoming staff brought me back to my senses, and helpfully directed me to where the MCG were milling around a large wooden dining table. Surrounding us, the crisp, white walls cooled the air and large ceramic plates and framed paintings held our attention while we waited briefly for our tour to begin. |
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Once assembled, we listened intently to explanations about the cultural artefacts near us. Then, snaked our way round the mighty staircase and followed our guide through the first of many impressive archways, each one impeccably fitted with curved, studded, carved doors. We filed into a vast assembly room, with pure white walls, contrasting dark wooden features, and a balcony on three sides above us. Here the group remained in awe and quiet reverence, as at first, we were uncertain of the purpose of this large hall. Maybe the heavy, church-like carved pews all facing a podium and lectern, suggested a place of worship. I saw no inscriptions or religious artefacts though, so I enquired and discovered that we were in fact standing in a university lecture hall. I then perched myself on one of the pews and gazed upwards at the distinctive ceiling. Painted white, the ceiling was adorned with a wooden, square, latticed, structure, from which eight inch posts protruded downwards at each cross-section. It was as if a hefty portcullis, had been skilfully constructed and somehow hoisted and suspended high above us |
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Next, our guide directed us towards the left windows, and out onto a minimal picturesque courtyard. Leaving the coolness, we willingly embraced the intense heat and sunshine. Immediately we felt transported, as if we were standing on a terrace in Spain, similar to the Alhambra Palace with its elegant fountains. Now with thoughts back in KL, we surveyed the landscape, snapped a few views and gradually moved onto another building. We entered through three sets of doors, passing a polished, winding staircase, before finally being granted a privileged access to the university’s immense library. Here, we stood and absorbed the grandeur and scale of the impressive collection. Then seated in the Reference Library, we watched an informative presentation given by the proud Librarian. |
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From there, we progressed to a private meeting room equipped with an oval ring-shaped table and microphones. We waited briefly until the arrival of Professor Datuk Dr Osman Bin Bakar. He was very informative, and approachable. He was patient, and willing to answer many questions about: the Islamic faith, the Post Graduate courses, the nationality of the students or any architectural aspects of the institution and much besides. During his talk, he clarified that ISTAC is an international Post Graduate research centre, not a teaching institution. He stated that here, both Muslim and non-Muslim students study together. Further, that ISTAC’s emphasis is on comparative studies between the differing cultures.
Towards the end of his discussion, the Professor proposed that we could join their mailing list, and partake in the regular lectures open to the public on Wednesday and Friday evenings every two weeks.
Aside from my observations, below are more facts, some of which we learnt on the day:
Overall, this was an intriguing MCG tour, which yet again surpassed my expectations.
ISTAC, Vision: “To be a world-leading international centre of Islamic learning and research in the general field of Islamic thought and civilisation and comparative cultural and civilisational studies that is dedicated to the renewal of human civilisation.”
ISTAC No. 24, PersiaranTuanku Syed Sirajuddin, Taman Duta 50480 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Contact details: Telephone: +603-64211200 Email: istac@iium.edu.my |
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